The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) start with a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination from a physician. The exam usually includes questions about your history and often an EKG or ECG. Some patients may need a thorough electrophysiology study.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Although no one is able to absolutely guarantee that a stroke or a clot can be preventable, there are ways to reduce risks for developing these problems.
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include:
Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control)
Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
Avoiding atrial fibrillation and subsequently lowering your stroke risk can be as simple as foregoing your morning cup of coffee. In other words, some AFib cases are only as strong as their underlying cause. If hyperthyroidism is the cause of AFib, treating the thyroid condition may be enough to make AFib go away.
Doctors can use a variety of different medications to help control the heart rate during atrial fibrillation.
"These medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, work on the AV node," says Dr. Andrea Russo of University of Pennsylvania Health System. "They slow the heart rate and may help improve symptoms. However, they do not 'cure' the rhythm abnormality, and patients still require medication to prevent strokes while remaining in atrial fibrillation."
I am 45, 4years ago I had a horrible anxiety attack I struggle with daily. December of 2019 I went to ER with Afib had a echocardiogram week later all good no issues till end of March 2020 had another Afib, both episodes I was able to go back in sinus at ER with medication. Last attack doc put me on 25 MG metoprolol twice day been on for 7days I assume take time to adjust and low dose aspirin. Since my last attack I noticed I am very nervous especially in morning. Everyday check heart rate, blood pressure every pain in arms or chest I freak out does not help. Currently all I have for the anxiety is Xanax been worried taking with metoprolol, I was not big fan of lexapro or any other anxiety meds, prior to last attack I was starting to get anxiety under control. Any advice on dealing with both these conditions together will be much appreciated.
NOLADan
posted
Re: Afibon April 8, 2020 6:20am EST
Hello. I'm 47 years old and was diagnosed with A-Fib just before Thanksgiving.
I had an ablation Jan 29, and I enjoyed sinus rhythm for 3 days! A few days later, back to the ER.
Last week I had my first cardioversion and got to enjoy a nice, slow sinus rhythm for 2 days. Today marks my 6th day in Afib without a break.
I was taking Toporol 50mg 2x a day, Flecainide 150mg 2x a day, and Eliquis 5mg 2x a day. Now the doctor has stopped my Flecainide and Sunday I start taking 400mg Amiodarone 2x a day.
I've been reading up on Amiodarone, and I have to say I'm scared to start taking it.
Been lurking and reading posts, and just felt the need to vent a little! Thanks
Hi,
I am 45, 4years ago I had a horrible anxiety attack I struggle with daily. December of 2019 I went to ER with Afib had a echocardiogram week later all good no issues till end of March 2020 had another Afib, both episodes I was able to go back in sinus at ER with medication. Last attack doc put me on 25 MG metoprolol twice day been on for 7days I assume take time to adjust and low dose aspirin. Since my last attack I noticed I am very nervous especially in morning. Everyday check heart rate, blood pressure every pain in arms or chest I freak out does not help. Currently all I have for the anxiety is Xanax been worried taking with metoprolol, I was not big fan of lexapro or any other anxiety meds, prior to last attack I was starting to get anxiety under control. Any advice on dealing with both these conditions together will be much appreciated.
thanks,
geoff
Hi Everyone,
A little background about me, I have one ablation under my belt, but I still have mild spells of afib or tachycardia.
I went to the docs office and he recommends a loop recorded to capture those mild spells for a better diagnosis.
Im ok with this but my mom and girlfriend dont like the idea, because they think my symptoms are mild.
Anyone else have a story about how a loop recorder helped them?
Hello. I'm 47 years old and was diagnosed with A-Fib just before Thanksgiving.
I had an ablation Jan 29, and I enjoyed sinus rhythm for 3 days! A few days later, back to the ER.
Last week I had my first cardioversion and got to enjoy a nice, slow sinus rhythm for 2 days. Today marks my 6th day in Afib without a break.
I was taking Toporol 50mg 2x a day, Flecainide 150mg 2x a day, and Eliquis 5mg 2x a day. Now the doctor has stopped my Flecainide and Sunday I start taking 400mg Amiodarone 2x a day.
I've been reading up on Amiodarone, and I have to say I'm scared to start taking it.
Been lurking and reading posts, and just felt the need to vent a little! Thanks